BACK AGAIN?? 10 NIGHTS SAPPHIRE FALLS.....MAY 18 TRIP REPORT

[schumigirl]

TRAVEL DAY CONT..........


So we all stand up when the seatbelt sign goes off and begin to collect our belongings together........the cabin door is opened fairly quickly and we all jockey for position to go stand in another line.......weird, but we do it........we had seen one of the Virgin Jumbo`s had beaten us in today so that meant immigration lines would be long. And of course the work that was going on at MCO meant it was a little convoluted there.......so we thank CC for taking such good care of us and we exit the aircraft that has got us here safely again. I always say a little thank you as we get off another safe flight.........

So, now is the bit we had been rather foolishly worrying about.....well I had, Tom was fine and guessed it would be a given. Although we have no reason to be worried at all, I still do..........

We join a very long line of pax all waiting for the immigration checks we go through to enter the country, and todays line was long. We hear a woman shout any Americans or Global Entry come forward........we had been told to make ourselves known to a TSA officer and we would complete the final part of the process here. You didn't need an appointment, just turn up. So here we were...........we spoke to her in front of a very curious bunch of people who began listening in as I explained we had to complete the process......I showed her the forms we had printed off and she very confidently told us that wasn't enough we needed a card and needed to have a confirmed appointment. For one horrible second it went through my mind I had done something wrong and she was correct and we would be on the next plane home.........but, I told her it said on the TSA website we could do this.......she said for us to wait there and wait we did. I could see folks very curious as to what we were doing just as she appeared back and said to come with her..........so we walked all the way to the front of the line and she told us to see the officer at number 10 when she was free. I think it annoyed quite a lot who were waiting when we were ushered over to the Officer.

So, we explained what we were there to do and she said no problem.......she did ask for our ESTA print out.....the one thing we hadn't printed out.......she explained if the system went down we needed to prove we had it......we would absolutely have it next time. So, she looked at our print out and said she didn't recognize it.....it was different to previous ones...but she asked the Officer behind and she confirmed that she had seen them and it was fine........so she processed us and took our picture.....even told us to smile........in the UK you are not allowed to smile for driving licences or passports.........so it`s unusual being told to smile.........this Officer was lovely actually and very human, you could have a nice conversation with her while she processed it.

She then told us to go back to a machine at the rear of this area, put our passports in and tick the correct code when it came up......she said if a certain code didn't come up, cancel and come back to her......but come back to her anyway........so we did and were very nervous (why I don't know) that the right code came up.......it did!!! Big relief.........so again, we went back to the front and again annoyed a family who were next to see this officer......we went straight back to her and she said yep, you now have Global Entry.......yay!!! All that worry over the last few weeks........but, it`s what I do best..........we thanked her for her help profusely and exited the Immigration area......and a very short walk to luggage retrieval.......

Our luggage should have been first off as we had priority..........so we waited, and waited.......and then waited some more.........yep, guess who`s was almost last off........most of the luggage with Priority on them were near the end of the bags offloaded.........we did laugh at this point.......not much more to do. And as I wandered to the bathroom finally, our luggage appeared.........we were just glad it was there and not somewhere else.

We finally exit the baggage area.........we get on a monorail straight away and before we know it we are in the airport itself and heading down to car rental desks........I was following Tom and noticed he had stopped.....I thought Alamo was further on.......so I glanced up to see a very bemused guy in his 30`s smile and wonder who I was......I had followed the wrong guy.......oops!!!!! Tom was way ahead and had turned to see where I was and was laughing as I apologized to this young man for following him......he just laughed too........so I caught up with Tom and we went straight to the Alamo desk. This is fun......we don't need any upgrades or extras, and the last few years they haven't even tried so this was surprise when this very enthusiastic young man offered us every upgrade possible.......he was met with a bunch of no thank you`s.......he was a tryer.

We set off over to the garage and spoke to Alamo there and showed them the upgrade note we had from the manager from our last visit........it`s easier to deal with them in there than the desk staff. So we ended up with a BMW (we don't like BMW) X3..........but it was fine. And white......don't like white cars either.........but it would get us from A-B and that was all that mattered. It did have a satnav that we hadn't asked for and did have more power than the last few cars we had driven from Alamo.

We sorted out the luggage and got mirrors and seats in position and the all important air conditioning........it was lovely and hot.......

We were on the road in a few minutes..........and how we loved the familiarity of this journey back home......albeit a different home this time.......everything is so familiar and we love that first journey back when we land. I had put my hand luggage in the trunk, so no pics of landmarks as we get closer like the Eye........but as we got closer to the top of Universal Boulevard we could see some rather unusual amounts of traffic as we approached the bridge where you can see RP and SF.........

Of course Friday night.........Grad Bash was on.......so many buses and cars all heading for Universal........but, it may have taken a few extra minutes, but didn't affect us. As we turned into Hollywood Way we saw the familiar turn into RP and it was strange passing it by to go somewhere else........but only a few moments on we are turning into Sapphire Falls for the first time.

It is a pretty hotel and has the added advantage of having a multi storey parking garage.........this will be a blessing if it rains was my very perceptive comment about now........we drove up to level 2 and unloaded the car and walked to the elevator which was almost right beside us. This took us down and you can walk all the way under a cover till the main doorway or you can turn into the convention area and appear in the lobby that way too......we chose the regular door.

Walking in felt lovely.........we knew the hotel well as we had visited many times to enjoy the pleasures of StrongWater Tavern......so it wasn't strange to us....and it is so pretty.......it`s large and airy and very light....doesn't feel cavernous at all. Tom went to the bathroom and I stood with our luggage till he got back. I was daydreaming when I saw a movement out of the corner of my eye.........I almost yelped in delight when I saw our friend.....he had waited for us to arrive tonight........awww.......big hugs all round. I was thrilled to see him as I assumed he`d have gone home by now.......but here he was. At that point Tom came out and was over the moon too to see him........and he walked us over to the check in desk where he got us checked in while we chatted away.......

He then escorted us up to our room which thrilled us again, he always makes us feel so special.......and we were over the moon to see The Sapphire Suite......wow!!!!! We were in the sought after Guest House 2, this was where we wanted to be......This suite is beautiful........we had seen it before when he gave us a tour 2 years ago, but we had forgotten how lovely it was........and we had the lagoon view he knew we`d love.....straight over to RP!!! We were so happy........this felt so right to stay here and definitely felt as much like home as RP is.

He showed us around again and eventually we said our goodbyes as he was heading home.......we were so grateful to him for everything........

We didn't move the luggage yet......just took some pictures.........

Wow!!!! We were loving this.........and the view was perfect........I couldn't wait till it was fully dark to see everything all lit up.......

Then our doorbell rang.......it felt weird hearing a doorbell........I looked out and there was no one there.....or so I thought........then a young man appeared and said he had a gift for us........wow again......we had only just arrived..........

This was just beautiful........I opened the card with the tray it was from our friend!!!! What a kind thought from him......we would certainly enjoy all of this......strawberries were lush and my favourite cheeses were on the platter!!!! We were so grateful to him for being so thoughtful........ever felt so content you could cry....yep. We had a massive hug and then thought we had to start unpacking.........all while nibbling the lovely platter that we had received........perfect.

Once we unpacked and freshened up, we headed down to our favourite bar........StrongWater.........yep, we had been here many times........the food is divine and right up our street, and the cocktails are heavenly.....and strong!!!! But this had to be our first stop tonight on our first night......

It wasn't overly busy and we got seated easily..........the young man who plays the guitar was on tonight, he is very good and not too loud so you can still hear yourself talk........I get my ipad out and send a thank you email straight away........

Our first drink was indeed welcome.......we finally met Tyler, he consistently gets fabulous reviews for service but we had never had him take care of us although we had heard a lot about him......and he was nice......I ordered my favourite French Berry Daiquiri and Tom went for a Blue Moon

They were lovely!!! And very welcome.........

We sat for a while before we decided to order food........I am always keen to try their new dishes and they had changed the menu since we were there in March........so we opted for the new Florida Ceviche which claimed to be spicy........a beef and pineapple skewer dish and plain old beef sliders......not very exotic but Tom likes them.........

Instead of another strong cocktail I ordered a glass of wine......and it was nice too.........we thoroughly enjoyed our food, it was delicious.......we shared everything except the rather alarmingly green cilantro flavoured sauce....we hate cilantro....so we left it.....but everything else is wonderful. And the ceviche was indeed spicy.........Tyler mentioned he thought he knew us.....we laughed and said we had been in once or twice.......lol........

We sat for a while and paid the check then wandered out to the outdoor area and took a couple of pictures before heading up to our room........the view here is just lovely.......

We took a couple in the lobby too........very peaceful area at this time of night...........

And one of the pool that we wished we had the energy to go in tonight..........

But, we had hit that wall.......we had been awake for so long by now.......and with having a wine and a strong cocktail, I was exhausted now......but we did giggle how nice it was not to have to walk all the way back over to RP from StrongWater.........

Our suite was so cosy with the lights on and felt warm and welcoming........turndown had already been before we got into the room, so we had opened everything, but I love coming back in when all the drapes are drawn and dimmed lights are on.

But for tonight, it was a shower and into the exceptionally comfortable bed........it was large and we had plenty of room. We have a big bed at home so always appreciate a bed of similar size. I slightly opened the bedroom drapes as we put the lights off........I do love dropping off while seeing the place lit up. And I did think we would sleep well tonight.

 

[schumigirl]

Two likes we had in common - watching planes and a bit of turbulence! Glad you had a good flight. Looking forward to the next installment.

Another turbulence fan!!!!

lol.....there`s not many of us around........I love flying, and it never gets old......always look forward to it.........

 

[pattyw]

Love those pictures and SF! Thanks for doing such great reviews on the resort. It convinced us to stay there and we were so impressed!!

 

[I-4Bound]

I always enjoy reading about travel days. Since we drive, the concept of flying and dealing with airports is pretty foreign to me. I have always thought that airports were so exciting!

 

[J'aime Paris]

Two likes we had in common - watching planes and a bit of turbulence! Glad you had a good flight. Looking forward to the next installment.

I am petrified of turbulence!
Anytime we have a bumpy flight I'm a wreck for the rest of the day.

I guess I don't know enough about turbulence...I'm irrationally convinced that the plane is falling apart or we are falling from the sky!

 

[macraven]

What a great way to start your vacation!

How did Tom like the sliders ?
They look basic and I like basic foods

 

[schumigirl]

Love those pictures and SF! Thanks for doing such great reviews on the resort. It convinced us to stay there and we were so impressed!!

Thanks Patty.......I’ll thank my photographer........he does most of the pics I have to say.......

And glad to hear you enjoyed Sapphire so much........

 

[schumigirl]

I always enjoy reading about travel days. Since we drive, the concept of flying and dealing with airports is pretty foreign to me. I have always thought that airports were so exciting!

I adore airports!

Everyone is usually on a high, so happy with trips to look forward to........well, I know we are.....lol.......

Unless they build a bridge over the Atlantic I doubt we’ll ever drive.......although we do plan to do a drive across the States maybe in 2 years........so maybe we’ll drive there then......from wherever........

 

[schumigirl]

I am petrified of turbulence!
Anytime we have a bumpy flight I'm a wreck for the rest of the day.

I guess I don't know enough about turbulence...I'm irrationally convinced that the plane is falling apart or we are falling from the sky!

Lol.......I’m like that with the Take off.........can’t quite understand the whole thing........but turbulence I get.......you do need to bump around to be safe........but I know it’s an awful feeling if you don’t like it.......

 

[schumigirl]

What a great way to start your vacation!

How did Tom like the sliders ?
They look basic and I like basic foods

It was a fabulous start!

He loves the sliders........he has had them before and enjoyed them........they do have cheese and onions on them too.........

 

[saskdw]

What an amazing room with a great view!!

WOW!!

Curious to see how you made out without Express Pass. Hard to go without when you're used to it!

 

[cocofifi]

What a beautiful suite and what a lovely welcome from your friend! What a wonderful start to your trip. We tacked on a day to our May visit and decided to stay at SF before moving over to PBH. It’s a lovely resort with such a nice feel to it - I can see why you enjoy it.

 

[keishashadow]

WooHoo TR time!

PRE TRIP.........

As everyone who reads this knows, I never, ever write a Pre trip report.........I much prefer to surprise..........and certainly surprise myself enough that's for sure .......I think with us never really planning anything, the thought of deciding ahead of time what we`ll do on a certain day doesn't fill me with joy.......so we don't. We do however where possible arrange to meet friends, whether it be friends from the boards or TM friends who we have known a long time. That`s about the only thing we ever plan.

It may not suit everyone but it suits us down to the ground..........

So this trip was booked last year when we went on a booking fiesta........I think we sorted 3 trips in the space of an hour or so, over one or two glasses of wine of course............doesn't take us long to book flights........people always ask about cost of flights from the UK to Orlando and it varies. We book as soon as we know our dates, so probably not the best or cheapest way to book, but it`s more about convenience for us........what it costs when we book is what it costs. However this flight was our cheapest of the year.......we paid $1,400 with Thomas Cook, our second choice company for flights after Virgin Atlantic, thought that was decent. We booked last November and did manage to pick the seats we wanted too. We usually book exit row if there`s no Premium available but these were already gone, so we chose seats as near the front as possible. The plane we were on although not having Premium had very decent legroom, we had been on it before on our trip to NYC last September. So we were happy. You can probably do it cheaper than we do it, and I`m sure many do, but as I said, we prefer the convenience of just having it booked with dates that suit.

Car hire again is something that in the UK with who we book with, once you pay there are no reductions if price comes down. I have American friends who talk of the cost of car rental coming down and they pay the reduced rate.......nope......once we`ve paid, that the price you`re stuck with. Again, we got the standard SUV and it cost us roughly $500 for 10 nights which we thought was a real bargain. We have paid so much more for the same standard before. We booked direct with Alamo who are our first choice for car rental.

Airport hotel was again the Radisson at Manchester Airport. This is somewhere we always stay when flying from here. It would be just as easy for us to fly from Gatwick or Heathrow distance wise, but we like the flights from Manchester and it`s not a bad drive up there. We again booked the Executive Lounge which is nice for relaxing in. You get free wine, beers and hard liquor from 5pm till 9pm and snack items, we never found the snacks to be up to much, but the lounge is nice.

We had decided on Sapphire Falls this trip for a few reasons. One reason is simply it is a beautiful hotel.

We had as I mentioned been given a tour when it opened and always planned to stay at some point. But, for one reason or another we had never got around to it........one reason was the Presidential Suite for our last 4 nights at RPR one year.......that was amazing!!!! Biggest shower ever. But, when we decided to have so many trips this year, we knew we`d stay at least once here. So it was arranged for us to stay for 10 nights.

In between our Christmas trip and this one we had our 10 nights for Mardi Gras.......which was amazing!!!

But, on the way home from our March trip we got talking to both the Virgin Check in Supervisor and a TSA officer who both mentioned we should apply for Global Entry. We had always been given TSA Pre Check on our boarding cards the last few years without asking for it......never quite sure why it was there, but never questioned it.......so when we got home I began to look into it.

It certainly seems to be advantageous if you are a frequent flyer into the USA........avoiding those long lines at immigration as 3 or 4 jumbo jets can arrive at the same time you know how long lines can be. So this would be wonderful for us.

When you come from the UK you travel on and ESTA, if you don't have that you don't travel unless you have a Visa.........so I went on the website and discovered we had to first apply to the UK Government and get clearance from them.......this took a few days and a cost of around $55 each. Once you have confirmation you are given a code and can apply to the quite scary American Border website......this costs $100 each and the really scary thing about this is, if you are refused for any reason your ESTA becomes invalid and you have to go for a Visa, which can take time. And we only had 7 weeks till we were off again.......

But, we very carefully and meticulously put in both applications.......some of the questions were slightly confusing, of course that may have just been me....... But we went ahead and submitted them. You are told it can take up to 2 weeks for a reply........most people have a reply in 10 days.

Of course the Easter Weekend came slap bang in the middle of this.......so it was nerve wracking enough to wait, although we really had no reason to worry as we had been assured since we already had been given Pre check it wouldn't be a problem. But, I`m a worrier.......always have been, always will be .......so, on Day 11 since the application had gone in I was beside myself with worry and began looking at flights to Dublin to the American Embassy in case we needed a Visa........on the afternoon of April 24th Tom`s phone tinged to say he had a message.......yep, it was the text to say check your application as there had been a change.......oh my goodness....how nerve wracking was it till we opened his account........and it had been Conditionally Approved........the next step was either make an appointment at one of the few places in the UK you could do it, or turn up at any of the participating airports of which MCO had recently been added and complete the application there.

So, then we waited for my phone to go.........I set myself a few tasks to keep busy, yes I was that nervous ........and within an hour I got my text......logged in and again, Conditionally approved. I almost burst into tears I was so relieved........Tom of course had no such doubts and had been constantly reassuring me all the time........but you know that stomach churning feeling of......what if.........so now I could really start looking forward to our trip without worry. Well, without worrying about that......as I said I am a natural worrier.........although at the same time I`m very pragmatic and realize at the end of the day.......there`s not much point in worrying.......poor Tom......he really has a lot to put up with.

Kyle didn't apply as he only has the one trip this year, so we didn't think it would be worth it for him........so in December depending on lines, we may stand with him or just go through and wait for him at the other side.......he`s not bothered as he`s done it so many times.

But, we now just had to wait the few weeks till our time to fly came around.................and I`m not the most patient of folks as Tom will attest to ........but he often reminded me, very kindly I have to say, we used to have to wait a year between trips......very true

So with that.........

TRAVEL DAY coming up...........

$1,400 USD? As I scrape myself off the floor in terror, will say congrats. I will never complain about airfare again, that is a hurt piece lol

THURSDAY MAY 10TH................TRAVEL TO AIRPORT DAY.............


We slept really well last night, rather unusually again......and we only had one glass of wine each too.......I always say a good nights sleep sets you up for the day.....but I was shattered this morning.........thankfully the zingy grapefruit and lime scented shower gel was the invigorating wake up it promised.......isn't it awful when you want to go back to sleep and can`t, but the mornings you can go back to sleep you just can`t fall over.........rough......

I got downstairs and Kyle was already down, he was leaving early for work this morning so it was just after 6 and he was heading to put his suit on........and strangely I didn't feel too bad today with leaving him again........he was fine. He had a good day ahead at work and was going to be busy when we were gone........so, I carried on with all the usual stuff and Tom appeared just before he came back down and leave.........

I grabbed Kyle a couple of bottles of water and as I went to give him a hug, that's when the tears filled up........yep, I still get emotional leaving him despite all his assurances he`s going to be fine, and I know he will, but I`m his mum and will miss him. But, I don't go into full blub mode, and eventually let him give his dad a hug......and with his wishes to us to just have fun he is in the drive getting in his car and off he goes........watching him wave I fill up a little bit more......Tom jokes he`s barely out of the driveway before I`m fine, I wish. But, I`m glad he has plans for his time when we are away.

So with Kyle gone, I wipe my eyes and head back through to make our breakfast.........food will always cheer me up...........we make bacon rolls and a big mug of tea........then we tidy up, and get on with last minute packing.........I actually mean packing. We do pack the morning we leave as there`s no reason for us to be packed up before.........it doesn't take long at all, and we know we haven't forgotten anything then........we always say as long as we have passports and credit card we`re fine.......anything else we can pick up there. So, in about half an hour we`re packed......then it`s hand luggage which is easy.

I give my mum a call around 8.30 and say goodbye to her........trying to catch my mum in is hard work.......83 year old and is a social butterfly.......she claims she doesn't go out much, but she`s never in!!! However I do catch her in this morning and we have a brief chat and I can hear she`s rushing off somewhere and doesn't want to be rude and hurry me off the phone......lol........so I tell her we`re just leaving......and say our goodbye`s for a while......I talk to my mum a lot, so 13 days is a long time to not talk......she doesn't have internet up there so no modern technology like Skype........

We then do the final touches to the house and Tom loads the cases into the car.....always a dilemma........they never go in the same way twice!! But, he gets it done and we lock the house up after a last minute bathroom visit.........and we set off.

The drive is around 3 hours up to Manchester.......and today is a lovely day to travel......sun is shining but it`s more or less behind us all the way. We have on 80`s radio and we are in such a joyous mood as we have another trip in front of us........the roads were unusually quiet today for a weekday, and we arrive up in Manchester around midday.......

The car park of the hotel is mobbed. There isn't a parking space to be had which can be a problem at the hotel.....they have conferences and of course people park there, but there is no where else around to park if there are no spaces. We spot a manager wandering around, stop and ask him what we should do and he tells us to park in a disabled space. I`m not comfortable doing that at all. But, we have no choice. He tells us not to worry there will be loads of spaces after 3pm, we can move it then if we wish. So we pull into the space and unload our bags and pop them on a trolley the manager has thoughtfully brought over to us.......we do chat about the parking and they recognize it is a problem. Space as always is a premium. We thank him for his help and head round to the entrance.........

We are in an Executive room........just a normal room but you have access to the lounge which has snacks and drinks available all day and alcohol and wines available from 5pm till 9.30pm. We go up straight to the Executive check in on the 9th floor......its so quiet up there, and doesn't seem to be going to be busy this time. Check in quick and painless and he informs us the room will be 20 minutes or so, so we`ll wait in the lounge and someone will come and tell us when it`s ready. This hotel is lovely.....the staff are always so helpful and very professional.......it`s just a nice place to stay all round. There are other options around the airport, and some real bargains to be had I suppose, but the convenience of walking through the Skywalk in the morning is of more value to us. So that's why we always pay more to stay there than is probably necessary. The price includes our parking while we are away, we leave the keys with the front desk and they do move the car offsite while we are away, although sometimes it hasn't moved. But it`s always waiting for us when we come back......we`ve used this company for may years and fingers crossed there has never been any issues with the cars. They film all around the car and note any scratches or bumps......we have none of these and as long as it comes back like that we`ll be happy.........

So, into the lounge and it`s empty........we are the only ones here...........

During the day they have teas, coffee, fresh orange juice, waters, cokes and beers all out to help yourself and snacks like olives, crackers and chocolates laid out......they usually have chocolate covered strawberries, but none today.

Tom makes himself a coffee and I have a coke and we sit and enjoy the sunshine streaming in to the glass covered room......it is gloriously hot and at the same time cool with the aircon gently swirling around........and so peaceful. I know it will get busier, but for now we begin to enjoy what is in effect the start to our trip.

We enjoy just looking out of the window and watching the comings and goings of the airport, although this time of day is generally a quieter time.....all the big flights have arrived or already gone.......but we still enjoy it.

One of the Concierge staff comes in to tell us the room is ready and she has taken our luggage down already.......so she gives us our room cards and we finish our drinks and head down. The rooms are no surprise to us anymore, we have stayed here so often it is very familiar.

The room has the usual things like a safe, iron and board if required and they do give you two bottles of water complimentary........we have never used the coffee machine but we do use the kettle to make tea before bedtime.....or during the night on occasion when we haven't been able to sleep.........it is a nice room and the bed is unbelievably comfortable. Tom finds the pillows slightly too soft, but I like them. The shower products are nice too, but they used to be better.

We look down and see there are spaces that have become available, so we take down anything that`s not coming with us like jackets and long trousers Tom travelled in.........we both head down as it`s so lovely outside......Tom moves the car out of the disabled space and into a general space, and thankfully it`s a decent space. Hopefully no bashes or scrapes. We are over the far side of the car park, and on the way back up to the hotel Tom of course starts to think about pictures......bless him.........

I always think it`s quite an impressive looking airport hotel.

We of course are now starting to think of lunch as we are a little bit hungry now........so into the bar area where our trip really does begin........and it`s fairly empty today. Last time we were here in March it was very busy. We get our usual booth and decide to order a bottle of wine and take our time as we have nowhere to go for the rest of the day..........

The wine is decentish........it`s ok for a hotel bar and I`m not expecting a top class wine list anyway here.........definitely overpriced but they have you there and it`s to be expected.........we then begin to think of food......we usually have something light and then enjoy dinner in the restaurant later, but it`s now around 2pm and we are hungry now, so we opt to share a pizza.......we decide on the meat feast and ask him for chilli flakes and tabasco as it`s not a spicy pizza.........no problems........

It`s so nice to be just sitting around sipping wine and passing the time thinking of what lies ahead for us........it`s just nice. But then the pizza arrives.......it looks so good.

And it is good........and very filling!!! We can`t imagine being ready for dinner tonight after eating this..........again, it is larger than it looks.......


We finish up the pizza and the wine and we must have looked very romantic or look as if we were celebrating something, but the manager sends over two glasses of prosecco for no real reason......how lovely of him.......I don't think he had seen we had just finished a bottle of wine, or maybe he had............we would manage somehow...........lol........I`m not usually very good at drinking wine during the day, it makes me sleepy on occasion........but it`s vacation time and allowed........

We sit till around 4.15 ish and then get the check paid and thank the manager again for the complimentary prosecco......it was very nice.......he says it`s a pleasure and thanks us for our continued patronage........I then remember we have seen him the last few trips.......I`m usually good with faces and names, but I had no memory of seeing him till he really spoke to us......he had grown a slight beard and looked very different.

We go up to our room and get our cases to walk down to the terminal for Twilight Check in. Thomas Cook offer this for flights up to midday the following day, well, they've stopped it now for flights to the USA but it was convenient and saved some time in the morning. The terminal is a 5 minute walk away so we are there and there already two couples in front of us. We check our bags in and there are new rules and measures for American flights. Although we are checked in, we don't get our boarding card.......we have to come back for that in the morning.........really!!! So no benefit whatsoever now.........the staff explain it is likely being stopped for the USA, I`m not surprised. I think from what they said they are getting a lot of grief from people not happy.......not an issue for us at all.

But, luggage gone and we see the priority tag go on the cases. We had paid for their priority package where your luggage comes off first and you are first on the plane.......if you are Premium you get this automatically, but this flight had no premium so not an option. We always hope and pray our luggage does indeed end up in the same place as us.

We take our time and head back to the Radisson.........and up to the lounge.

It`s 5pm now and the wine and alcohol is out as is the snack type food. We really aren't ready for anything so I have another coke and Tom another coffee.....and the lounge is very quiet to what it usually is. We did notice the door could only be accessed by using your room keycard, before it lay open and I suppose was easy to enter if you hadn't actually paid for it.........but it`s fairly quiet.


We sit here most of the evening chatting and relaxing and talking over the trip ahead and eventually we do get a little peckish. We had definitely decided we wouldn't be anywhere near ready for a proper meal in the hotel restaurant like we usually do, so we would partake in the snacks offered tonight, and I`m glad to say they had improved massively from the last few visits.

They had slices of rare roast beef, mini quiche and pork pies, spicy empanadas, spring rolls and a kind of curry samosa. So with the olives still out and the snack crackers, we made a lovely little meal out them.......and enjoyed some more wine, but not too much as we don't want to feel even a little under the weather tomorrow.........

It was a lovely evening.......and once it got dark we were getting ready to leave when the lady who kind of runs the lounge tells us we are more than welcome to take something back to the room. There is a sign up saying no drinks to be removed from the lounge, but I think that's to stop the extremists. We don't bother though as I just want a cup of tea now.

Back to the room and I love overlooking the airport at night.........we make some tea and Tom sprawls out and watches something on tv......we had free movies, but there wasn't really anything we wanted to watch.

We had tried to Skype Kyle but the reception was so poor we ended up giving up.....we left messages saying we would try on Saturday morning sometime. Such a shame but we would speak soon.

We watch some tv for an hour or so, then set every alarm we need to........we arranged an alarm call from the hotel and I set my ipad too.......we don't plan to be up too early as we only need to pick up a boarding card, so need to be there 4 hours ahead. We also have the priority line through security so we do plan a little longer sleep.........if only.

Around 11pm we put the tv off and settle down for what we hope will be a really good sleep...........and marvel again, that everything is in front of us for another trip.

Love your hair color, you both look so happy! The lounge set up at that airport hotel is great, interesting how they have the seating at the windows. Looks like a great property but I admit to be absolutely drooling over your bag!

Lol.......I’m like that with the Take off.........can’t quite understand the whole thing........but turbulence I get.......you do need to bump around to be safe........but I know it’s an awful feeling if you don’t like it.......

Indeed it is lol

Your suite at SF was amazing! I thought the regular one was nice but only thing I recognize is the view & the shower. How nice you were treated so royallly!

 

[schumigirl]

What an amazing room with a great view!!

WOW!!

Curious to see how you made out without Express Pass. Hard to go without when you're used to it!

saskdw...............nice to see you post too.........hope this one is a good read!!

We loved that room and the view was fabulous.......I used to get up during the night at times and just look out the window......lovely.

We were very lucky, we still got EP

Glad to have you along........

 

[schumigirl]

What a beautiful suite and what a lovely welcome from your friend! What a wonderful start to your trip. We tacked on a day to our May visit and decided to stay at SF before moving over to PBH. It’s a lovely resort with such a nice feel to it - I can see why you enjoy it.

It really was.......we loved every second in there.......

Oh I’m so glad you added a day and it’s at SF........yes, it does have a lovely feel.....very modern, fresh and new but still feels cozy and warm at the same time........

I’m sure you’ll love it.........

 

[schumigirl]

WooHoo TR time!



$1,400 USD? As I scrape myself off the floor in terror, will say congrats. I will never complain about airfare again, that is a hurt piece lol




Love your hair color, you both look so happy! The lounge set up at that airport hotel is great, interesting how they have the seating at the windows. Looks like a great property but I admit to be absolutely drooling over your bag!



Indeed it is lol

Your suite at SF was amazing! I thought the regular one was nice but only thing I recognize is the view & the shower. How nice you were treated so royallly!

My friend.........glad you made it along too.........

Well, I suppose the length of flights add to the cost......I know at times folks get cheaper flights than we do, but that for us was an excellent price.......

Oh we love the lounge at the airport, very unnecessary of course, but you know us We do like that hotel a lot......stayed there so often now I’ve lost count! I adore that bag!!! Amazing folks feel the need to say they don’t like a certain designer at times.......had more than one person say they “hate” the design of them........tough titty is my response........or words to that effect

I thought that was the Suite you had??? Or am I getting mixed up...............which I have been known to do on occasion Yes, great suite........loved it! We really did have the best time..........

Hope you enjoy the rest of it too.........

 

[saskdw]

saskdw...............nice to see you post too.........hope this one is a good read!!

We loved that room and the view was fabulous.......I used to get up during the night at times and just look out the window......lovely.

We were very lucky, we still got EP

Glad to have you along........

I wouldn't miss one of your reports!

You paid for EP or your celebrity status got you a special deal? lol

 

[Romib]

Great room!

 

[schumigirl]

I wouldn't miss one of your reports!

You paid for EP or your celebrity status got you a special deal? lol

Glad to hear it.........

Oh not sure about that celebrity status.........

Great room!

Thanks......it really was.......it was a room you were just happy being in it.........

 

[tink1957]

Love the suite...now you're making me want to stay at SF even more.

Glad you got your global entry sorted out....I was concerned for a minute there.